find joy in the journey

on this monday morning

 . . . I'm procrastinating cleaning the bathrooms.  Seems like I do that every week.  Even though I like the idea of having sparkling clean bathrooms to begin my week, I think I need to move bathrooms to a different day.

. . . . the washer is working on its 3rd load of the day.  Probably 2 or 3 more to go.

. . . . it's raining and the snow is melting.  Just a few traces here and there.

. . . . I chickened out of my early morning workout again.  But really, trying to keep up with Jillian after just 5 hours of sleep was not going to cut it.  I've been "off the wagon" for a week so I need to kick myself into gear and get moving again.  I just bought her Yoga Meltdown DVD to be my supplement when I wuss out in the morning, so I may try that this afternoon or evening.

. . . . I picked up some drawers at Walmart to organize my closet a bit today.  The piles are growing and they aren't going away on their own.  Also, it creeps me out a bit to think of what might be hiding, or living, in the corners and under the piles.  We had a small spider infestation last summer (nothing quite like waking up to a giant hobo spider in your bathroom sink) so our hope is for a hard, cold winter to kill them off.  After lunch I'm planning to have a little sorting party.  And it's perfect timing because this week I'll be doing Goodwill Goodturn with the Cub Scouts (we go around the neighborhood collecting donations for Goodwill).

. . . . the glasses are working out pretty well so far.  I put them on in the morning and wear them until about 2 or 3 in the afternoon, or longer.  My previous issues with eye strain are gone.  Yay!  That is good news for me.  The hope/plan is to look into Lasik in one year for my one eye and say good-bye to glasses forever.  We shall see.

. . . .I found out that Josh Groban is coming to town this summer and, of course, it's on a weekend that Scott will be in school.  Boo!  We've been to his last 2 concerts (Awake and Closer) and hoped to make it a tradition.  Oh well.

. . . . I talked to my mom as she's on the road back home after visiting my grandpa.  Definitely a much slower pace of life.  Drive safe, mom!

. . . . and I'm out of stuff to talk about.  A pretty uneventful morning. Guess I better get to those bathrooms.

snow days

It's 10:35pm and Anna is still awake.  Yowzers.  I guess the "I'm not feeling good nap" after church perked her right up.

Anyways . . . . We had a good weekend.  A good loooong weekend thanks to a couple snow days.  You know, it doesn't take much for them to cancel school here, but that's fine by me.  I enjoy the lazy days and staying cozy in the house, watching the kids play outside, and serving hot chocolate.

Both days Anna came to me before 7:30 am fully dressed and bundled up, ready to go outside and play in the snow.  Uh, that's a bit early my dear.  How about 9 am?  I think it's so funny how eager she is to get outside in the snow.  And even though I make Conner and Payton join her, she outlasts them all by a long shot.  I've said this before, but she just loves being outside.

Payton managed to gather enough snow in the front yard to build a mini snowman.  

Our little winter wonderland . . . . 

But the best part of the day is when cheeks are icy, fingers are numbing, and toes are frozen (thankfully we are past the stage of snow+cold=tears) and I greet the kids at the back door one by one, and peel off the wet layers right there on the kitchen floor.  As they run upstairs to put warm clothes on -- which usually means t-shirts and shorts -- for me there's something heartwarming to see the snow gear all together in a pile.  Evidence of a good day of play.  

And rather than wear pants and sweaters (something they would never choose to do), they turn to hot chocolate served by mom or cozying under blankets by the heater vent to get warm.  

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Oh, and here's Conner's reaction when he heard that school was cancelled.  After the jumping and cheering he broke into song and air guitar.

And we also enjoyed watching this video on YouTube.  :)  We followed his advice - "Stay inside your home!  Whatever you do, do not leave your house!  You're not safe!"  Gotta love it.

 

un-blogged february

I almost titled this post "chocolate, snow, and puke", but . . . . I didn't think the word "puke" in 24pt font at the top of my blog would be all that attractive to readers.

Just some random, un-blogged items from February . . . 

One day last week we had the most beautiful surprise snow shower with the biggest snowflakes I have ever seen.  This photo doesn't even do it justice.

Anna and I got frozen yogurt at the mall.  I love love love these places . . . self-serve yogurt, self-serve toppings, weight it, and pay.  I am more than happy to introduce anyone to the joys of frozen yogurt or be your facilitator in satisfying a craving.  Anytime.  Call me.

Luckily I had my little camera in my purse to capture these 3 sweet bunnies at story- (and craft) time at the library.  My fluffy bunny is in the middle.

We had a few sick days in our house this past weekend.  4 for Payton.  2 for Conner.  I am so proud of Conner for making it to the toilet both times.  Payton . . . eh, let's just say I washed his sheets twice and some family room pillows once.  We had a pretty lazy weekend with all this going on . . . I donned yoga pants and sat around with my laptop working on blog books via Blurb and the kids watched lots of Redbox movies.  It was actually a very welcome change of pace.  

This is how I eat a box of chocolates.  A little nibble here and there.  That way I know what I'm getting myself into later.  I finished off the See's box of chocolates from my dad, and made it half-way through the Whitman's box from Scott before I had to call it.  Official chocolate overload.

Scott and I had our February date.  Can I just say that our schedule is tight?  Yikes.  Weekends are spoken for in a big way . . . between school and youth activities.  Thankfully, this was an at-home date so we were able to squeeze it in on a Monday night.  Details later.  But it involved some of this yumminess.

Payton is officially a Cub Scout!  He looks so cute in his uniform.  Last night at Pack Meeting (the Blue & Gold Banquet) he received his Bobcat award and he pinned me with the mother's pin.  :)  I love seeing the excitement, enthusiasm, and eagerness that comes with brand new Cub Scouts.

In other, un-photographed, news . . . 

We got a new van!  Yay!  I've only driven it once though.  Didn't want to bring any pukey kids into the car or venture out in the snowy weather we've been having lately.  Next week you'll see me cruisin' around town in my new wheels.  

I'm getting glasses.  Actually, I'm heading out to pick them up right after I finish this post.  They sure are cute.  I just hope they will really help me see.  My eyes have been going cuckoo the past few months.  It's been hard(er) to focus on distances, and just recently it's become difficult to focus when I read as well.  Ugh.

It snowed (lots) today.  And then it melted.  But I have pictures and video to share later from our very happy snow day.

love day breakfast

Valentine's Day breakfast has become a tradition over the last few years. I love it! The table is set the night before.  Red tablecloth, flowers, a gift bag at each place setting, love notes, and a yummy breakfast to be served.  It think the kids really enjoy coming down in the morning to find this special surprise.

I always give the kids a small heart-shaped box of chocolates, conversation hearts, and one small toy. This year, for the boys - Kung Zhu pets.  For Anna - Littlest Pet Shop.  I purposefully do not go overboard on the gift bags.  It's just Valentine's Day so let's take it easy.  But, holy moly, I hit the jackpot this year.

I'm getting breakfast together and I hear this deep moan "ohhhh" from Anna at the table.  I turn around thinking something is wrong.  And she continues, "it's. adorable." as she pulls the contents from the bag.  "I'm going to die."  Oh, I love it.  :)

Thank you Jet-Puffed for the HeartMallows.

I kept the menu simple this year because it was a school day, and I would need to bathe Anna and blow dry her hair, and get 3 kids with 3 bags of valentine's out the door, and have myself (and a game) ready to go directly to the preschool party.

Bacon.  Cinnamon rolls from a can.  Hot chocolate.  And milk with twisty straws.

Conner, reading his love note from me.

Bacon is the way to this boy's heart.

And here's a picture from later in the day when the lighting was nicer.

It was a lovely breakfast.  And the focus on love helped me keep my cool when one of my new dinner plates shattered on the floor. 

Happy Valentine's Day!

{oh, and if you're wondering about the "art" on the window, that will be explained in another post.}

thumbs up

. . . . for Payton.  (And a thumbs up for Kate . . . I'll get to that later.)

On Saturday morning Payton was baptized a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints.

It was a very good day.

Both sets of grandparents (from California and Idaho) and Randy & Kate flew up for the weekend to be here for Payton's big day.  And everyone had a part in the program.  

Grammer Teresa spoke on baptism and Grammer Valerie spoke on the Holy Ghost.  I think my kids are quite lucky to have two wonderful grandmas.

Papa Dan and Papa Dennis were witnesses for the baptism and participated in Payton's confirmation.

Randy played the piano.  And Kate led the music.  Payton had some great song selections - Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel and The Iron Rod.  During one of the songs Conner sat by me and randomly held up his hand to give Kate a thumbs up.  No silly faces or laughs from him, just a matter of fact gesture like, "hey you're doing a good job."  So random!  But it gave me (and Kate) a big smile.  Later, I asked him why he did that, "Oh, I just wanted to give her some encouragement."

Conner and Anna gave the opening and closing prayers.

And all three kids sang "My Baptism Day".  Accompanied by me.

The detail that will probably stick out the most in his 8-year-old memory was the water.  And it's temperature.  It was hot.  

Imagine hot tub hot, and a few degrees higher than that.  Payton describes it as "boiling hot".  He hesitantly made his way down the steps into the font, with a few steps back.  Thankfully Scott is the perfect dad to help coach him through a hot situation like this.  :)

He looked so sweet, and handsome, and happy, and perfectly Payton.  Shoulder shrugs and all.

I'm so proud of him.  The decisions he has made, the things he is learning, the boy he is becoming.  

Yep, it was a good day.

joy of love: 1-5

1. what they do

This girl loves to be outside.  And ride her bike.  Or her scooter.  We were blessed with a WEEK of dry weather and sunny days.  Cold, sunny days . . . but we'll take it anyway we can get it.  She bundled up, placed "kitty" in her bike basket, and off she went.  Up and down the culdesac with a permanent smile on her face.

2. how they look

 

The handsome in this one is starting to come out.  Which is hard for me to say because I have always had a soft spot for his adorable cuteness. He's still cute.  But now I can see, right here, right in front of me, that he is growing up.  I took these pictures for his baptism announcements/invitations.  It's just a week away!

3. then and now

These two blog posts will give you some background on the story I'm about to share:  for the love of shorts and it's so hard to say good-bye.

The collage of photos features Conner in his new favorite shorts from Old Navy.  2007

The second photo shows the sad, sad face of Conner saying good-bye to his favorite shorts and shirt.  2011.

At least 5 times a week Conner wears this outfit around the house.  I say "around the house" because he is forbidden from wearing it outside the house.  He looooves these clothes.  But after almost 4 years, they are getting a little small.  And we're getting a little tired of seeing him wear it.  Back in December we told him that they would have to go after basketball season . . . but we forgot.  Thursday we remembered again and told him it was time to say good-bye.  In a panicked shock he said, "But I was going to give these to my first son!" And just before Scott was going to throw them in the trash Conner came up with a better idea.  To burn them at the Father-Son campout.  It has been tradition for Scott to burn an old pair of pajamas at this camp-out and the boys love it.  It was a great idea.  And so the shirt and shorts have been stashed in the camping storage bins, awaiting their fate.

4. what they wear 

The boys wear uniforms to school.  Conner always prefers the navy on navy look.  Payton is pretty easy-going: navy, khaki, white, whatever.

5. love to hate

(photo prompt description:  something your loved one does that drives you nuts, but the day just wouldn't be the same without it)

Everyday Scott works out on the elliptical.  And everyday he leaves his athletic shoes in the middle of the floor.  Along with his giant exercise ball that usually lives on the ellipitcal's steps when not in use.  I'm not sure if I've ever mentioned it to him . . . the fact that everyday after he's gone at work I pick up those shoes from the middle of the floor and place them in their home in the corner.  Sometimes I'm mildly perturbed.  But really, it takes only 5 seconds out of my day, so it isn't that big of a deal.  But sometimes I wonder if it ever occurs to him to pick them up.  Hmmm . . . . Maybe he purposely leaves them out so I'll have to pick them up later in the day and be reminded of him and how much I miss him.  Maybe.  :)

an 8 year old's world

(interview conducted in the car on the way to Payton's birthday date:  arcade games, glow in the dark mini golf, dinner, and Coldstone)

What is your favorite food?  Watermelon and cantaloupe.

Why?  Because they're juicy.

What is your favorite flavor of ice cream?  mint chocolate chip

Who are your best friends?  Amanda & Brooke

Why are they your best friends?  Because they play with me all the time at school.

(Scott interjects)  Have you kissed any of them?  No.  Of course not.

I'm so happy I'm the only kid in the car.  There aren't extra voices going "blah, blah, blah."

What is your favorite school subject?  math, spelling, and rocket math

What words can you spell?  dog.  run.  bark.

Ummmm, Payton I think you can do better than that.  What is the hardest word you can spell?  Announce.

What are you really good at?  Watching tv.  (laughs) No I'm just kidding.  Reading books.  My favorite books are Secrets of Droon 1 to 17.

What is your favorite toy?  Paper Jamz

What is your very best treasure?  My iron pyrite.

Um, let's word this a little differently.  What do you treasure the most?  You would be the saddest if you lost _______?  My iron pyrite and pirate booty.  Bark.

{sidenote:  "Bark" is Payton's signature word right now.  It can be an exclamation, sometimes it eludes to surprise or thoughtful contemplation, and a lot of the time it is the perfect add-on to any statement.}

What is your favorite tv show?  Winter Wipeout

If you could be on Wipeout, which obstacle would you be the most excited about?  the Yule log jam and spanker bar.  And the shape shifter.  And the letter "P" in the 7-letter word.

What do you want to be when you grow up?  An inventor.  I'd invent an exploding castle with real life lava scattered all around it.

What is something you learned while you were 7 years old?  A couple is 2.  A few is 3.  Several is more but not like 100.

{sidenote: he is constantly challenging me on my use of the words "couple, few, and several."  Our definitions don't always match up and it drives him crazy.}

What will you be doing 5 years from now?  Let's see, I'll be . . . . 13.  I'll get a pet dog.  And name him "Barky."

What is your favorite thing to do with dad?  Go to work.  {Referring to Bring Your Child to Work Day}

with mom?  go get ice cream at Dairy queen

with Conner?  play video games.  My favorite is Super Mario Galaxy.

with Anna?  play games like Feed the Kitty, Blokus, Curses, Pop the Pirate, UNO, . . . .

If you could meet a famous person who would it be?  A scientist.

Happy Birthday P!

valentine subway art

So has anyone else noticed the DIY subway art trend pop up in a big way?  I think Tater Tots and Jell-O was the first place I saw it last year.  And she did her project with a Valentine theme.  She gives a great tutorial, but I went with a slightly different and less time consuming method.  Vinyl lettering.  :)

My steps:

1.  Paint 8x10 canvas.

2.  Adhere vinyl lettering.

3.  Apply a thin coat of matte mod podge. (My vinyl lettering wasn't in love with the canvas, so I added a top coat of mod podge to seal everything on.)

I love how it turned out!  Fun Valentine decor, but understated enough to go in my front living room.

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I made 2 additional canvases for the first two ladies on my Facebook "Pay it Forward" list -- Alicia & Nykki.  Watch your mailboxes, because it is on it's way!